Cricket team eyes better finish

BANGKOK, Thailand — A young but hungry Philippine women’s cricket team will look to equal, if not surpass, its podium finish two years ago when T10 action in the 33rd Southeast Asian Games erupts Tuesday at the Asian Institute of Technology Ground here.

Head coach Derek Budd is banking on holdovers Jona Eguid, Alex Smith, Simran Sirah, Jhon Adreano and Romela Osabel from the silver medal squad in the Cambodia edition to anchor a youthful core.

The Filipinas face an acid test against Myanmar in Group B starting at 11:30 a.m.

“We've got a really good set of young girls. We've got really big shoes to fill from the last SEA Games,” Budd said.

“So, we're going to really try and do our best to medal. The competition this year is very, very strong. So, we have to just respect everyone.”

The Philippines is looking for payback against the Burmese squad that defeated the team in the T20 event in the previous staging of the biennial meet.

After taking on Myanmar, the Nationals square off against 2023 bronze medalist Malaysia on Wednesday.

In Group A are defending champion Thailand, Indonesia and Singapore.

“But if we play our A game, I think then we've got a very good chance of medaling. But with Thailand, the hosts, the strongest nation, I think to get past them is going to be a real challenge,” Budd said.

“And Indonesia, again, very strong. We played them earlier this year, a very, very good team. So, they're going to be the names to look out for. But like I said, if all the girls perform and do their very best, then we've got a very good chance.”

Despite fielding new faces, the Philippine squad has built a solid chemistry through international competitions.

“So, we've been lucky this year where we have toured. This will be our fifth tour in 12 months. So, the group of girls, they know each other well now,” Budd said.